Michigan Democratic legislators, empowered with a majority in both state houses for the first time in forty years, are scurrying to undo Republican legislation they consider damaging. They repealed a “right-to-work” law which weakened labor unions and voted to protect the civil rights of LGBTQ people and expand background checks for purchases of guns.
On December 7, 2022, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Moore v Harper. At stake are some of the fundamentals of democracy in the United States, voting rights. A decision most likely will be released in June or July 2023, prior to the 2024 Presidential Election.
I send love to the victims and survivors of last weekend’s massacre at Club Q in Colorado Springs, and I offer my particular support to members of the LGBTQ+ community who are wrestling with unfathomable pain. I also send my love to the victims and survivors of yesterday’s mass shooting at the Walmart in Chesapeake, Virginia.
I’m writing this on a Wednesday. I believe this newsletter will be distributed on Thursday. So, I will take this opportunity to proactively offer my love and support to all who will become victims and survivors between now and the time you eventually read this. It’s come to that.
In this PEG’s special Voting Prep Edition find information on Returning your Absentee Ballot, Training for Pre-Processing Observers, Voter Turnout Training with Chuck Newman, Voting Info for the Homeless, and what to expect in regards to election results.
Distill Social hosted a free advance screening of the new motion picture, Call Jane, based on the inspiring story of the women in Chicago who organized to help those who needed abortions. An enthusiastic crowd of 600 enjoyed the movie and learned how to reach out to other voters, talking to volunteers from the Reproductive Freedom for All campaign (Prop 3), and Promote the Vote (Prop 2).
Weekly sessions will be held through November and feature department staff and experts discussing a range of non-partisan election topics including helpful voter how-tos, a deep-dive into how Michigan elections are run, and tips for how voters and partners can help prepare their communities for election season. Seats to the live sessions are limited. Select the links below to sign-up to attend, or to submit a question for our hosts to answer live on the call. A replay recording will be available after the call.
To use the Online Absent Voter Ballot application tool below, you need to be registered to vote in Michigan and have a valid Michigan driver’s license or state ID. If you need to register to vote, click on “Registering To Vote.” If you don’t have a Michigan driver’s license or state ID but you are registered to vote, go to “Absentee Voting” for more info
Promote the Vote aims to advance voting rights for the people of Michigan. However, it is imperative that we get enough signatures this final weekend. Places to sign petition are inside (by date, then location):
Just because a petition was not submitted in time for the ballot doesn’t mean it won’t rear its ugly head in the legislature
The first attempt at anti-lynching legislation occurred in 1900 when Rep George White (R-NC) — the only black member of Congress at the time — introduced legislation that would have…